2027: Wike Claims Obi’s National Anthem Controversy Shows Intent To Divide Nigeria

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over an alleged incident in which he reportedly remained seated while Nigeria’s national anthem was being sung at a recent gathering in Lagos.

Wike described the alleged action as a sign of lawlessness and questioned Obi’s commitment to national unity, arguing that someone seeking to lead the country should demonstrate respect for its national symbols.

The FCT minister made the remarks while addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and party supporters during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The event was organised under the platform of the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike alleged that Obi remained seated when the Nigerian national anthem was performed but stood up when a different anthem, which is no longer in use as Nigeria’s national anthem, was sung.

He argued that the incident raised questions about Obi’s suitability for the presidency and suggested that such conduct could threaten the country’s unity if he were elected.

Wike said, “A whole national anthem of a country is being sung. A man who wants to be President of Nigeria would disobey and sit down. And then not only that, when a different national anthem that is not being used for Nigeria [was sung], he stood up. In a way, he does not belong to this country. In a way, he has said he does not belong to this country; that if you give him the president, he would do a different thing that will divide Nigeria.”

The minister further maintained that anyone who allegedly disrespects the country’s national symbols should not be allowed to occupy the highest political office.

He added, “A man who does not believe in Nigeria, someone who derives joy in ridiculing the country by disrespecting its symbolic National Anthem must not be allowed to come near the presidency of our country.”

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike’s comments have added another dimension to the political exchanges surrounding Peter Obi and other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general election.